Holiday season safety tips

Vernon Fire Rescue Services is reminding the public that the festive celebrations of December also come with danger and a high fire risk.

During the holiday season the incidences of fires and fire losses involving candles, home heating equipment, clothes dryers and electrical sources increase significantly higher than these same categories for the rest of the year.

To help keep your holiday season full of happiness and safe from fire, here are a few fire safety tips from the B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner:

Christmas trees:

Ensure your artificial tree is fire resistant.

Ensure your live tree is fresh and watered at all times.

Set up live and artificial trees away from fireplaces, heaters and other heat sources and make sure they are not blocking an exit.

Lighting:

Indoors or outdoors, use only lights that have been tested and labeled by a
recognized testing agency such as the ULC or CSA.

If using extension cords, make sure they are rated for the intended use and in
good condition.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with
electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be
electrocuted.

Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Decorations:

Choose non-flammable decorations whenever possible.

Keep decorations, curtains, clothing and spray aerosol cans away from open
flames or heat sources, such as lights, candles, heaters and fireplaces.

Never put a candle on or near the branches of your Christmas tree.

Mount candles on metal or glass candleholders, or place them in noncombustible
containers.

Heating Systems, Chimneys and Smoke Alarms:

Electrical and heating systems can fail and become fire hazards. Ensure they are
regularly checked by a professional, especially prior to the holiday season when
fireplaces, heaters, appliances and other electrical equipment are in maximum
use.

Have your chimney and furnace cleaned and professionally inspected prior to
each winter season.